Building Better Boards

2/20/2015

If you ask the executive directors of nonprofit organizations to list their current challenges, chances are board recruitment will be near the top of their lists. Mendocino County residents appreciate nonprofits for the services they provide, the jobs they create, and the community activities they produce. So why is there trouble with board recruitment?

For answers I turned to Sue Haun and Catherine Marshall, two organizational consultants who are facilitating the “Building Better Boards” series of workshops sponsored by the Community Foundation.

When it comes to board recruitment, Catherine sees a lot of untapped talent. “The problem is the expectations nonprofits may have for board members,” she says. “They often try to get a lot of roles covered, and it can be overwhelming for potential board members.” “Board recruitment isn’t about finding people to do volunteer jobs,” Sue adds, “Organizations need to be clear that volunteer jobs and board jobs are different.”

Clarity about board and staff roles and responsibilities is central to a healthy nonprofit organization. “I worked with an organization where the board president really wasn’t sure of her role,” Catherine told me. “Once the responsibilities were defined, she really stepped up to lead the meetings and to keep board on track. It transformed the organization.”

Sue also stresses the importance of hiring a good executive director who can be an effective partner to the board. “Some boards take the approach that they want to hire someone for as little money as possible, or try to get other board members to fill staff roles. As a result they spend much of their time on operational issues and the planning role the board should play doesn’t get done.”

As I have heard over and over, one of the biggest fears of potential board members is fundraising, especially the expectation that they will be need to ask for money from their friends. “The Board is responsible for making sure there is money for the programs,” says Catherine. “But there are a range of things they can do that go beyond twisting their friends’ arms. Boards can help to create an organization that is attractive to funding. They can be a community ambassador and represent the organization with the Chamber of Commerce or service clubs. They can help develop earned income strategies.”

Fortunately there are many board members who are happy and fulfilled in their roles. “There is no better feeling than knowing you are making a positive difference in your community,” says Sue. “It also helps if there is some humor and laughter during the meetings.” Catherine adds, “Having a real sense of camaraderie is incredibly rewarding. It is personally satisfying to work in a functional group to accomplish something for the community.”

Catherine’s has advice for nonprofits looking for board members: “Before you recruit, make sure you have your house in order. Have good systems in place including professional bookkeeping.” Sue suggests looking at people who are already involved with the mission of the organization. “They are the people who believe in what you do and you will know if they have the energy needed to move things forward.”